As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut. It is evil to make mindless offerings to God. Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5:1–2).
When I have met authors, scholars, or musicians, I have often been guilty of trying to sound intelligent when I should have spent my time listening and learning from those around me.
It is easy for us to do this with the Lord, especially in worship. We mindlessly sing songs repeating words on a screen with no thought of what those words mean. We recite promises and talk a good game without ever taking it seriously. The Bible tells us God hates this kind of worship and devotion. It is pretending to honor God. Our hearts and minds are absent.
Solomon encourages us to enter God's hour reverently, attentively, humbly, and sincerely. He reminds us that worship is not about how we "feel;" it is about giving praise and honor to the Lord. We must remember the grandeur of the One whose presence we seek. Instead of trying to impress God with how "spiritual" we are, we would be wise to let our words be few.
Aware Worship 9.12.21
As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut. It is evil to make mindless offerings to God. Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5:1–2).
When I have met authors, scholars, or musicians, I have often been guilty of trying to sound intelligent when I should have spent my time listening and learning from those around me.
It is easy for us to do this with the Lord, especially in worship. We mindlessly sing songs repeating words on a screen with no thought of what those words mean. We recite promises and talk a good game without ever taking it seriously. The Bible tells us God hates this kind of worship and devotion. It is pretending to honor God. Our hearts and minds are absent.
Solomon encourages us to enter God's hour reverently, attentively, humbly, and sincerely. He reminds us that worship is not about how we "feel;" it is about giving praise and honor to the Lord. We must remember the grandeur of the One whose presence we seek. Instead of trying to impress God with how "spiritual" we are, we would be wise to let our words be few.